Family get keys to a happier future at South Shields development

Melanie and Craig Atkin have moved into a brand new house on the £30m Trinity South scheme on South Shields’ riverside.

The two-bedroom home is one of 20 properties to be bought by the borough’s new independent housing company, South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust.

Mrs Atkin said: “It’s absolutely perfect for us. We’ve got an eight-month old daughter and it’s great that everything is new and pristine.

“The whole house is full of light which we love as our last place was quite dingy. I can see us staying here for a long time!”

The properties are among 222 new family homes being built on 13.1 acres of land on the riverside, which includes part of the former Circatex factory site and the southern end of Frederick Street.

Local ward councillor Ed Malcolm said: “This is a fantastic residential development which is part of our ambitious plans to transform the riverside area.

“We’re committed to providing high quality affordable homes which meet the needs of our local communities.

“I hope the Atkins family will be very happy and comfortable in their new home.”

The Ventures Trust was set up by the council, South Tyneside Homes and the Homes and Community Agency (HCA) to take the lead on the development of new homes in the Borough for rent or shared ownership.

Company secretary Brian Scott said: “The Trust is well on track to realising our vision of delivering 400 new homes in our first five years.

“It’s great to see tenants getting their keys and moving in. These are properties that I am sure they will be proud to call home.”